by Senior Pastor Dr. Stephen Isaac
Introduction
When I say or write the phrase, “He Goes Before Us,” without any Biblical or literary context, it can mean many things. It could mean someone moving forward or stepping ahead of the one behind them in a line or a queue. It could also mean someone arriving at a particular destination before others heading to the same destination or place. It could also possibly mean, that someone was chosen or preferred for an activity or opportunity before or ahead of another individual. Additionally, the meaning of a phrase can also be influenced or shifted significantly by how the words, in that particular phrase or sentence are emphasized or de-emphasized. In the process of accurately understanding and effectively communicating the meaning of a word, phrase, or sentence of spiritual significance or consequence, both Biblical and literary context are essential. The context of a word, phrase, or sentence is most often effectively achieved and accurately understood when we can answer the who, what, where, and when? If we apply that criteria to the phrase “He Goes Before Us”, we would be able to quickly identify and conclude in a Biblical and literary context. The Who as – God our Provider and Protector, Christ our Savior and Good Shepherd, Holy Spirit our Comfort and Courage The What as – The Faith to Follow and Go Forward The Where as – The Place of Promise and Purpose The When as – Always Before Us He Goes Before Us is a biblical phrase seeking a context. He Goes Before Us is a phrase that holds deep spiritual context for the Reunion Church. He Goes Before Us is the phrase we can embrace and use as we rise and respond to God’s call to widen our nets, expand our tents, and multiply the gifts and graces we have been given. In the next couple of weeks, we will unpack and seek wisdom from two Old Testament passages, rich with New Testament fulfillment and present-day relevance and implications to help us find our connection and context with He Goes Before Us.
Introduction
When I say or write the phrase, “He Goes Before Us,” without any Biblical or literary context, it can mean many things. It could mean someone moving forward or stepping ahead of the one behind them in a line or a queue. It could also mean someone arriving at a particular destination before others heading to the same destination or place. It could also possibly mean, that someone was chosen or preferred for an activity or opportunity before or ahead of another individual. Additionally, the meaning of a phrase can also be influenced or shifted significantly by how the words, in that particular phrase or sentence are emphasized or de-emphasized. In the process of accurately understanding and effectively communicating the meaning of a word, phrase, or sentence of spiritual significance or consequence, both Biblical and literary context are essential. The context of a word, phrase, or sentence is most often effectively achieved and accurately understood when we can answer the who, what, where, and when? If we apply that criteria to the phrase “He Goes Before Us”, we would be able to quickly identify and conclude in a Biblical and literary context. The Who as – God our Provider and Protector, Christ our Savior and Good Shepherd, Holy Spirit our Comfort and Courage The What as – The Faith to Follow and Go Forward The Where as – The Place of Promise and Purpose The When as – Always Before Us He Goes Before Us is a biblical phrase seeking a context. He Goes Before Us is a phrase that holds deep spiritual context for the Reunion Church. He Goes Before Us is the phrase we can embrace and use as we rise and respond to God’s call to widen our nets, expand our tents, and multiply the gifts and graces we have been given. In the next couple of weeks, we will unpack and seek wisdom from two Old Testament passages, rich with New Testament fulfillment and present-day relevance and implications to help us find our connection and context with He Goes Before Us.